In an economic landscape that should ideally be thriving, the relentless ascent of credit card interest rates signals a grim reality for consumers. As reported by LendingTree, credit card APRs have reached an alarming average of just over 20%, continuing a disturbing trend that has persisted for three consecutive months. The average annual percentage rate
Personal
The latest report from the Social Security Board of Trustees has painted a bleak picture of the future of America’s social welfare safety net. The trust fund that underpins Social Security is projected to be fully depleted by 2033, with only 77% of benefits available thereafter. This is a grim reality for millions who have
In a surprisingly predictable yet troubling turn of events, Senate Republicans are rushing to finalize President Trump’s so-called “big beautiful” spending bill, focusing on a key piece—an amendment to the child tax credit. While negotiations between the Senate and the House are ongoing, the content and ramifications of these provisions deserve critical examination. The Tax
The introduction of the so-called “Trump accounts,” a proposal that sets a $1,000 federal deposit for every child under eight, presents a controversial yet earnest attempt to jumpstart the savings culture among American families. In an era where financial literacy and wealth accumulation are often thrust into the backdrop of public policy, the idea of
The SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction is no stranger to controversy, especially as it enters the limelight once again amid the current discussions surrounding President Donald Trump’s proposed spending package. Originally implemented as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, the SALT deduction has been ensnared in a web of
Credit cycling isn’t widely discussed within the financial literacy space, yet it’s a perilous tactic that could plunge consumers into a formidable financial pit. The term refers to the practice of reaching the maximum limit of a credit card only to pay it down swiftly, allowing the cardholder to make further charges. On the surface,
In the wake of the pandemic, the workplace dynamics we once took for granted have experienced a seismic shift. Among the various employee benefits, Summer Fridays—a cherished tradition that permits workers to clock out early on Fridays throughout the summer months—has increasingly become a relic of the past. Major companies, driven by the desire for
The recent confirmation of Billy Long as the IRS Commissioner marks more than just a change in leadership — it signals the potential unraveling of taxpayer rights and services at a critical juncture in American fiscal history. Nominated by former President Donald Trump, Long’s appointment took place against a backdrop of deep political divides and
In 2025, millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits will see a modest 2.5% increase in their checks—a gesture that is positioned as a necessary cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This annual boost is intended to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation, but as the numbers roll in, it becomes increasingly clear that this small uptick is
The stock market often serves as a barometer for broader societal and economic sentiments. Since Donald Trump took office, it has experienced notable fluctuations—jarring swings that can unsettle the most robust investor. Conservative and liberal financial analysts alike ponder whether these rollercoaster days reflect Trump’s unique economic policies or whether they are yet another manifestation